We have been doing our NFL division predictions, one division at a time...here is the NFC West! Your thoughts and comments are welcome!

Tomorrow: Playoffs

1. San Francisco 49ers...Ever since Jim Harbaugh arrived, this team has been consistently good. The big turnaround seemed to happen when Colin Kaepernick took over at QB, replacing Alex Smith. Kaepernick has developed, and hopefully for the 49ers, will continue to do so going forward. Despite that, the offense was the weakness a season ago. The 49ers ranked just 24th in total yards in 2013, something that will have to improve. The ground game still has Frank Gore, but also added Ohio State All-American Carlos Hyde...primed for a strong rookie campaign. The receiving core got a boost with the addition of Stevie Johnson. Add him to Michael Crabtree, Anquan Boldin, and TE Vernon Davis, and you really have a solid foundation. The defense has to repeat 2013's success, as they ranked 5th in yards allowed. The best LB group in the NFL needs to continue to play as such, if so, a shot at the Super Bowl could be out there for the 49ers.

2. Seattle Seahawks...The defending Super Bowl Champions are in arguably the toughest division in the NFL. Russell Wilson returns to lead an offense that was frankly middle of the road a season ago. We saw the impact Percy Harvin has when he is on the field. If he can stay healthy, he is almost guaranteed to be a factor. Marshawn Lynch has to remain a weapon as well. This offense didn't get much better in the offseason. The defense stole the show for the Seahawks in 2013. The Legion of Boom was a big reason I picked them to win the Super Bowl prior to the season beginning...and ended up being a major reason they have a championship today. Richard Sherman led the NFL in Interceptions a season ago, but new rules have made it tougher on DBs this season. My concern isn't the defense in the Great Northwest, it's that offense. Score points, a wildcard is possible.

3. St. Louis Rams...I really wanted to put the Rams 2nd in this division, but I can't ignore the struggles of QB Sam Bradford. The former Heisman Trophy winner, and #1 overall pick, hasn't lived up to expectations, and has battled injuries like he did at Oklahoma. This offense ranked 30th in the league a year ago in total yards. The offensive line is good, and remember the name Zac Stacy...expect a breakout year for the RB. The defense is where it's at, with a solid front 7 led by DE Robert Quinn. They can get to the QB, which is crucial in the NFL...especially in this division. They are maybe a year away from something, but a huge year from Bradford could make the Rams the surprise team of 2014.

4. Arizona Cardinals...A team capable of 10 wins rarely is ranked last in their division...unless it's this division. Just like seemingly every team in the NFC West, their defense was suburb in 2013, ranking 6th in total yards allowed. They have some nice pass rushers, but they are led by the uber-talented Patrick Peterson. He is now teamed up with Anotnio Cromartie in the secondary forming a rangy, talented tandum of corners. Throw in the gamer that is Tyrann Mathieu, and that is as solid a group of DBs this side of Seattle. The offense still has Larry Fitzgerald, the consummate professional. He is paired with Michael Floyd, forming a big, tough WR duo. Carson Palmer is the QB, and needs a big year. Get more out of the running game, and protect Palmer, maybe the Cardinals create some havoc in the NFL's most brutal division.

We will be doing our NFL division predictions, one division at a time...here is the NFC South! Your thoughts and comments are welcome!

Tomorrow: NFC West

1. New Orleans Saints...Great season in 2013, and they could be better in 2014. Drew Brees still leads this team, and he is as productive as any QB in the NFL. As long as he is there, and healthy, the Saints will always be a factor in this division. Brees can still look for arguably the most dangerous weapon in the NFL, Jimmy Graham, and he will most likely end up in the end zone. Whether he is a WR or a TE, it doesn't matter to me...he is a factor every game. They do need something from the ground game though...all can not be put on Brees' shoulders. Defensively they were solid in 2013. People might not realize they were 4th in the league in total defense. If they can replicate that this year, and keep key offensive pieces healthy, the sky is the absolute limit in the Crescent City.

2. Carolina Panthers...12-4, yes 12-4 in 2014...an incredible season for the Panthers. The defense was exquisite last season, providing a pass rush few could deal with game to game. The unit allowed the 2nd fewest yards, and 2nd fewest points of any team in football...but can they do it again? Cam Newton had a break out type season in 2013 as well, but lost many of the pass catchers he had grown accustomed to finding, namely Steve Smith. Meshing with receivers, and building timing, takes reps and games...if they can build that, then they might have something. The ground game has the ability to be a real asset, will it be in 2014? Another strong showing by the defense, and a balanced offense for Cam, another playoff trip is certainly there to be had.

3. Atlanta Falcons...a 4 win season certainly hasn't been the norm in the ATL since Matt Ryan arrived. This franchise is far removed from the Gerald Riggs, Bill Fralic years where 4 wins was common place...this group has won games, in the regular season. They get Julio Jones back, which is enormous. Roddy White even missed 3 games in 2013, something he never does. Gone though, is Tony Gonzalez. The TE that just never aged, retired, and with him took a lot of experience and moxie. The defense was terrible in 2013, 27th in total yards...but that had been the issue for most of the Matt Ryan/Mike Smith era. Can they develop a pass rush? Can they replace LT Sam Baker, who is lost for the season with a knee injury? Does Steven Jackson have anything left in the tank? Too many questions for too big of a turnaround for the Falcons in 2014.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers...I know, Lovie Smith is there, but they still have the same talent, right? Looks as though Josh McCown will get 1st crack under Center, after Mike Glennon showed signs, at times, in 2013. Pair Vincent Jackson with 1st Rd pick Mike Evans out of Texas A&M, and you have a huge, big play pair of receivers. Doug Martin returns after an injury in 2013. His yardage fell off by nearly 1000 yards from 2013 due to that injury. His healthy return is the most crucial aspect of the season. That, and can the OL block for him, or whoever plays QB. Defensively, Tampa was middle of the road, 17th in total defense in 2013, led by DT Gerald McCoy as well as up and coming LB Lavonte David. Adding DE Michael Johnson via free agency from the Bengals could provide a major asset to the pass rush. This is a team that could make a real jump from the 4 wins they posted in 2014, if the right breaks go their way. I still feel they are at least another year away from being real players in this division.

We will open with the latest Ohio State news, as well as news from around the country. We will hear from Hal McCoy at 5:20p for his take on the free falling Reds, plus the Browns named a starter...your reactions? That's tonight at 5p!

We will be doing our NFL division predictions, one division at a time...here is the NFC North! Your thoughts and comments are welcome!

Tomorrow: NFC South

1. Green Bay Packers...In a division with plenty of solid offenses, and average defenses, they might be the best combination of the two. The Packers had the 3rd best offense is the NFL in 2013, and the addition of Eddie Lacy was a big reason. He added stability to a running game that wasn't always productive. Aaron Rodgers is still one of the best QBs in the league, and he has some targets to play with as well. The question will be on defense. The addition of Julius Peppers should help the pass rush. They have good players, just need them on the field. The NFC North will be a tough division to win, but I see the Packers getting it done in 2014.

2. Chicago Bears...I don't even recognize the Bears. They have a high powered passing game, and a bad defense? That is certainly a rare combination for the Monsters of the Midway. Jay Cutler has plenty of huge targets at his disposal between Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, and Martellus Bennett. Matt Forte is also there to make the ground game go. The questions, strangely enough, come on the defense where they ranked 30th a season ago! If that improves, maybe they can win this division. If not, look for big scores on the shores of Lake Michigan in 2014.

3. Detroit Lions...They just can't seem to put it all together. Matt Stafford is still a QB capable of big things, IMO. They have Calvin Johnson, the quintessential WR in the NFL, as good as any player in football. They have been searching endlessly for a solid #2 to go with Megatron for years, but maybe it's at the TE position where they have as much depth as any team in the league. Defensively, they ranked 16th in the NFL in 2013...good for the best rank in the NFC North! Build on that, find offense consistently from someone other than Johnson, and maybe a Wildcard is in store for the Lions.

4. Minnesota Vikings...They are still looking for that guy under center. Christan Ponder wasn't the answer. Matt Cassell might get the 1st crack at it in 2014, but 1st Rd draft pick Teddy Bridgewater is right on his heels. They still have Adrian Peterson, the best RB in the league over the past 5-6 seasons...a true warrior. The emergence of WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson was huge for Minnesota. Every team needs a guy that is a threat to go all the way every time they touch the football. The defense was trash in 2013, with only the putrid Dallas Cowboys' defense between them and the bottom of the league in terms of total yards allowed. With the offenses in the NFC North, if that defense doesn't tighten up, it doesn't matter what the offense does. Improve there, maybe .500 is possible, but doubtful.

We will be doing our NFL division predictions, one division at a time...here is the NFC East! Your thoughts and comments are welcome!

Tomorrow: NFC North

1. Philadelphia Eagles...Chip Kelly came in and changed the face of the Eagles. His offense and his style led to a great year and a playoff trip. Nick Foles was a huge reason. Foles had an incredible year at QB, getting the ball to the right people at the right time. Getting the ball to LeSean McCoy will be a big initiative again in 2014. Shady had a monster year, and is in line to do so again. No DeSean Jackson also makes everyone have to step up for Philly. The defense is a major question mark, ranking 29th in 2013. They have to get to the QB and compliment a dynamic, fast paced offense. Are they a good team, or just the best team in a bad division? That will be the question worth answering as the season rolls along.

2. Washington Redskins...New Head Coach and an intriguing offense makes me put the 'Skins in the 2 hole. I am no fan of RGIII, but adding DeSean Jackson to go with Pierre Garcon and Jordan Reed in the pass game will benefit him greatly. Throw in Alfred Morris on the ground and Washington should be able to score points. Can RGIII stay healthy? They hope so. Jay Gruden comes over from Cincinnati and should add a more stable clubhouse than the one Mike Shanahan created. Will he be a better coach? Another great question. This might not be a playoff team, but they should look like a better team. No 1st Rd pick, especially #2 overall, didn't help this group, or a middle of the road defense.

3. Dallas Cowboys...As a life long Cowboys fan, it hurts to see the team they are today. Bad drafts and poor free agent choices have brought this flagship NFL franchise to the low point they are at now. Tony Romo still has gas in the tank, and is much better than the player he is made out to be by fans. So much is on his shoulders every game, mistakes are bound to happen. Outside of Dez Bryant, the WR group is slim, but Dez is incredible. Jason Witten may have one good season left, but maybe not? DeMarco Murray is just not hurt yet, but will be soon enough, I'm sure. The defense was a joke in 2013...worst in the NFL. Did it improve? Not a chance, especially with Sean Lee out with another ACL injury. Look for more shoot outs in Big D in 2014, and another high pick in the 2015 Draft.

4. New York Giants...They have Eli Manning! Did I mention they have Eli Manning? I expect very little from the Giants in 2014. A revamped OL will put Eli on the run, which is certainly not his strong point. The offense has been tailored to get the ball out quickly, because they have no other choice. Who do they throw the ball to? Who gets the carries? This is the worst offense of Eli's career. Couple that with a league leading 27 Ints in 2013, and it could get ugly in the Big Apple. The defense was surprisingly strong in 2013, ranking 8th in total D, but the offense and defense work together on game day...this offense will be no help to them. I do like the front 4 of the defense, if they have a monster 2014, maybe there is hope? Probably not though.

We will be doing our NFL division predictions, one division at a time...here is the AFC West! Your thoughts and comments are welcome!

Monday: NFC East

1. Denver Broncos...Getting back off of the canvas from their Super Bowl beat down, the Broncos return a strong roster. They had a record breaking offense in 2013, and should be similar in 2014. Peyton Manning still has a few bullets left in that sidearm and has plenty of people to get the ball to as well. Montee Ball must now take the next step in the running game. The defense added some pieces, too...they need to back that great offense. If Denver stays healthy, namely Manning, and the defense keeps guys like Von Miller on the field, they should see another Super Bowl trip in the end.

2. Kansas City Chiefs...Most people have the Chargers here, but I'm rolling dice on Andy Reid. He shows up, adds Alex Smith, and the team turns around the worst record in the NFL. Jamaal Charles can not be asked to repeat 2013, but if he can, look out for KC. The OL is the concern, but Reid always seems to get his teams ready and his players to perform. Things went downhill last season when Tamba Hali and Justin Houston got hurt, and for good reason...they are great pass rushers. Does Smith have another year of magic under center? If so, I like the Chiefs here in 2014.

3. San Diego Chargers...Yes, they made the playoffs in 2013. And yes, they went on the road and beat the Bengals in the 1st Rd...can they repeat that success, maybe? I really like Phillip Rivers. Keenan Allen's year last season came out of nowhere. Mix him in with Ryan Mathews and the future HOFer Antonio Gates, they should be able to score. My interest is the defense. In 2013, the unit was 23rd in the NFL in yards per game, but surrendered just a little over 21 points per game...11th best in the league. That's a bend but don't break defense if I've ever seen one! Another solid performance from that side of the ball, maybe we are talking a return trip to the playoffs?

4. Oakland Raiders...Or should it be the San Antonio Raiders? Or the Los Angeles Raiders...again? The once proud Silver and Black have become a punch line in recent years. Al Davis, once the best most dynamic owner in the league, has passed. His son Mark Davis has now taken over, and business unfortunately seems to be going the same. The offense is basically Darren McFadden and pray for Matt Schaub to be solid. The WR corp requires name tags to realize who they are in 2014. The defense has some great names, including LaMarr Woodley and Justin Tuck, along with future HOFer Charles Woodson and rookie Khalil Mack. This could, I repeat could, be a good group. If so, maybe signs of life will be found...wherever they end up playing. 5 wins though, still seems like the threshold for the Raiders in 2014.

We will be doing our NFL division predictions, one division at a time...here is the AFC South! Your thoughts and comments are welcome!

Tomorrow: AFC West

1. Indianapolis Colts...The heavy favorite to win the south, and for good reason. Andrew Luck is very good, and going to be great one day. The running game needs to take some pressure off of Luck, and it should. Playing enough defense will be the biggest question mark surrounding the Colts, but they will get enough to win the division. Not having Robert Mathis, and his 19.5 sacks and 8 forced fumbles in 2013, for the 1st 4 games will be a terrible loss...someone will have to fill some very large shoes.

2. Houston Texans...Had the worst record in the league last season, but injuries and negative momentum accounted for most of that issue. Insert Bill O'Brien as Head Coach, so things will look different in Houston as well. QB could be a concern, but the return of Arian Foster should lighten that load. The defense adds Jadeveon Clowney with 1st pick to team with JJ Watt in the front 7...watch out Andrew Luck!

3. Tennessee Titans...Lots of youth on the offense, and with a new Head Coach, I am interested to see their progression. For Jake Locker, it's put up or shut up time...I like a healthy Zach Mettenberger. Defense could be the issue, but were a middle of the pack group statistically in 2013...improve, and the team will win more, but probably not enough to make the playoffs in 2014.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars...What can I say, it's Jacksonville? Last year, their offense was bad, but their defense was even worse! The team went offensive skill positions with their 1st 3 picks in the 2014 draft, including selecting QB Blake Bortles with the 3rd overall selection. Bortles showed signs in his 1st preseason game, but it's the preseason, so who knows. Bad drafts and busts have put this team in the position they are currently. Bortles progression, among other things, is the only hope they have to win, what, 5 games in 2014?

We will be doing our NFL division predictions, one division at a time...here is the AFC North! Your thoughts and comments are welcome!

Tomorrow: AFC South

1. Cincinnati Bengals...Winning this division will not be easy. The Bengals are loaded with talent on both sides of the football, and have drafted as well as any team in football over the past 5 seasons. The sky could be the limit for the Orange and Black in 2014! Like most teams, health will be a huge factor, plus the progression of Andy Dalton will make or break Cincinnati!

2. Pittsburgh Steelers...I had trouble deciding between them and the Ravens here, but I went with the 6 time Super Bowl Champions. A bit of a down year in 2013, I feel, will not happen again in 2014. The team still has some age on the defense, but the Steelers are the Steelers, and seem to succeed more often than they fail. Can the OL stay healthy in 2014? If so, watch out playoffs!

3. Baltimore Ravens...Attrition hurt the Ravens badly last year, plus the leadership loss of Ray Lewis can't be quantified. Flacco needs to look more like 2012, and will have some help. Dennis Pitta is back, and I want to see what Steve Smith brings to the table as well. Survive the Ray Rice suspension, and remain healthy on the defense, I see maybe 3 teams from the North playing Playoff football!

4. Cleveland Browns...they should be better in 2014, but the division is just so good. Manziel or Hoyer...Hoyer or Manziel? That is the 1st question they need to get an answer for going forward. No Josh Gordon, even if it is 8 games, kills an offense that has flat out stunk at times. The running game will be better, and the defense is young and can get to the QB. They have something going up there on the lake, but 2014 won't be the year they show it to the league!

Will be doing our NFL division predictions, one division at a time...here is the AFC East! Your thoughts and comments are welcome!

Tomorrow: AFC North

1. New England Patriots...still got it after all these years. If the Gronks and Wilforks of the world can stay healthy, they win a division they have owned for over a decade. Oh, and they still have Tom Brady.

2. Miami Dolphins...I'm betting on Ryan Tannehill to take the next step, could be dangerous to do so, but I am right now. I like his receiver options. If he can be protected by a new OL, and get a pass rush by that defense, I see the Dolphins improving on 2013

3. New York Jets...They have great names on the team, if it was 2005. Rex Ryan is feeling the pressure of a must-have successful season, and that might propel them ahead of Miami. Stability at QB, namely Geno Smith taking the next step, could be the difference between the playoffs, and another year home in January.

4. Buffalo Bills...It's the Bills, I'm not buying the team will be better in 2014. I like some of the pieces they have added, and another year of growth for EJ Manuel and rookie stud Sammy Watkins, along with others, will help in the future. The injury to Kiko Alonso hurt badly too. Browns, you might get a very nice pick for the Bills in the 2015 draft.